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Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

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Notice Title

City Council Minutes 10.14.2025

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Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

October 14, 2025 07:00 PM

Description/Agenda

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Mayor Trevor Olsen Mayor Pro Tempore Cheryl Bowers Council Member Chris Ewald Council Member Charlie Taylor Council Member Erik Grover Council Member Kellen Nielson October 14, 2025 - 6:00 pm - Work Session October 14, 2025 - 7pm City Council Meeting 50 West 100 South Street, Blanding Utah 84511 Meetings live streamed when available at: https://meet.google.com/ymf-jwqo-rjs Work Session R1 Zone Updates from Planning Commission There was discussion on how long the planning and zoning commission has been talking about these changes. Councilmember Taylor questioned if they should discuss and review it longer and put it out to the public for a longer period of time. Councilmember Nielson stated that there was a public hearing at the last planning and zoning meeting. They discussed ADU's, setbacks, lots size, building size. They discussed at length the issue of living in a trailer while building a house on the same lot, they talked about the fees and consequences that should or could be associated with it. They talked about building heights, private and shared drives. The council wants the planning commission to revise some things before it is approved. SJCPAC Halloween Event SJCPAC is doing a teenage oriented halloween event. The plan is to have it at the pickleball courts on Halloween afternoon/evening and they will host several different activities and events. They will be coming to the city council to ask for money. B3 Zone Change - Discussion An application has been submitted to the City of Blanding requesting a zoning change for their lot located in your area. The request is to rezone this property from C (Commercial) to R-2 (Residential-2). The purpose of this change is to allow for the construction of an affordable housing project. Mr. Redd talked about the requirements that B3 must meet and how affordable housing works and what they can and can't do. They talked about some of the work that will have to be done on the lot before construction begins. They talked about the pros and cons of having housing in that particular area. They talked about the possibility of it boosting businesses nearby. As of right now B3 plans to put in 20-25 units in the complex. If their application fails, they have to wait 2 years to reapply. Councilmember Nielson wanted to make it clear that the city has not made any special accommodations for B3. They are interested in hearing the public's input on this zone change request. Raw Water Sale Blanding City owns 800 acre-feet of water rights in Recapture Reservoir dedicated to municipal, commercial/industrial, and governmental purposes. Under the Raw Water Sales Policy & Procedure (adopted May 9, 2023), the City may sell excess Recapture raw water once availability is confirmed by the City Engineer and Chief Water System Operator, and approved by the City Manager. This proposal is not a lease and does not involve irrigation shares. It is a sale of raw water from the City's Recapture allocation, consistent with the section titled Recapture Raw Water Sales in the current policy. Proposal - City staff proposes selling up to 30 acre-feet of Recapture raw water to SJWCD for one water year, defined as November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026. The rate will be $200 per acre foot purchased Delivery will be coordinated by the City Engineer and Chief Water System Operator to ensure no impact on City or existing contractual commitments. The sale is authorized under the current Recapture Raw Water Sales Policy. The City Engineer and Chief Water System Operator have verified that 30 acre-feet are available for the 2025-2026 water year. The sale will be conducted at no less than 25 % of the culinary rate. The agreement expires October 31, 2026, with no automatic renewal. Mr. Redd made it clear that the city isn't selling the water to a private construction company, it is to the water conservancy district and they can do or sell it to whomever they want. It would cost the city a lot more to pump it and use it than to sell it to the water conservancy district. The city wouldn't be able to use it affordably. They talked about the option of raising the spill-way at recapture. Mr. Redd said that Javen Ivins with Jones and DeMille has been researching it. In theory it shouldn't cost very much to bring it back up in comparison to how much more water the reservoir could hold. The council is very interested in the details and specs on that project. POLICY MEETING Call to Order Roll Call A Prayer was offered by Pratt Redd The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval: Consent Agenda and Minutes from September 23, 2025 Regular Session Councilmember Taylor made a motion to approve the minutes from September 23, 2025 and the consent agenda with some amendments, moving the recognition of police, fire department, sheriff's office and emergency responders, and the SJC Pack presentation, to occur before the public hearing. Additionally, business item number six was removed from the agenda for later review. Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest - None Mayor - Mayor Olsen read a summary of an incident on July 19th, 2025, where off-duty firefighter Byron Clark and Heather Howell, along with Officer Cole Palmer, Payton Palmer, Deputy Kavika Su'eSu'e, Jeremy Homedew, Nurse Kelsey Homedew, and firefighters Sydney Felstead, Fielding Adams, and Chance Hancock, saved an elderly man's life through quick and decisive actions. Their collaborative efforts, including performing CPR and transporting the patient, were highly commended by the council. SJCPAC Halloween Event - Shauna Sherrow and Boston Bowers were present at the meeting representing SJCPAC. Shauna explained what the coalition does and the areas they serve. They are asking for funding for an annual Halloween activity that they want to put on for the teenage range group. They talked about the activities that they want to provide on Halloween night in an effort to give this age range something to do as they are a bit too old for trick or treating and deter them from destructive behavior. They are asking for $500 dollars for this event and the money will potentially go forward to other events as well. The city council gave advice and consent to award them this money. Public Hearing - Moratorium on Mobile Home Councilmember Nielson made a motion to enter a public hearing on mobile home moratorium. Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. There was no public present to make a comment on this issue. Councilmember Nielson made a motion to exit the public hearing. Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Public Input - None Reports Mayor See notes above, the Mayor recognized some community members and emergency responders from an event on July 19th. City Council Councilmember Taylor asked if ballots have been sent out. Mr. Redd stated that yes they have been approved and mailed out. Early voting will begin on the 21st. Councilmember Nielson wanted to thank the police department for their good work, he was somewhat involved in an incident last week and Officer Palmer did a great job. Court Report and Other Updates - City Manager August: Total Crime - 13 Total Traffic - 51 September: Total Crime - 9 Total Traffic - 38 Projects Update: Veterans memorial is underway and going well. The plan is to have a ribbon cutting on Veteran's Day. The visitor's center is getting a new roof. The trail design for the 4th reservoir is in progress. The design for the recapture boat ramp has been signed and is back in the DWR's hands. The gas line feasibility study for the mill is done and now they are working on lining up funding for that to happen. The mill is having an open house today and tomorrow. Tri-Hurst is working on the water treatment plant that is being built around the new deep well. There is a trails master plan underway with Jones & DeMille. A sewer master plan update was just completed. Finance Report - James Francom Mr. Francom provided the check register for last month. He said that they will see some expenses from some of the projects that Mr. Redd just mentioned. The Mayor asked about the straw that was purchased, Mr. Francom stated that it was for the fall festival and some of it was sold back. Building Department & Airport Report - Taylor Francom New permits issued - 8 Electric Meter Set-1 Other-2 Outbuilding-1 Remodel-1 Repair-2 Sign-1 Inspections Completed - 36 17 Residential 19 Commercial Notes: Active issued permits-26 Contract with Monticello City for emergency inspections Mr. Francom also highlighted the start of the wildlife fence project at the airport, Councilmember Ewald stated it is a significant safety improvement. Council members raised concerns about road conditions around the school and water drainage systems at the construction site, requesting follow-up from Patrick with the school district. Police Report - Chief JJ Bradford The large disparity in cases from last year to this year is the way the reporting was done. We were being assigned case numbers for each traffic stop last year when we went live with the new dispatch RMS/CAD. Officers participated in the school district's Civic's Day, Fall Festival and were at multiple other community events. Sgt. Hillhouse attended the annual TAC officer conference. Other officers have been working on some online training towards the new years requirements. He and officer Stewart are working on a stolen trailer case. They have a few leads and can hopefully resolve that. Parks & Recreations Quarterly Report - David Palmer The 3rd quarter of 2025 was very busy I have listed the highlights below: We Finished up all Spring sports by this time and started and completed Soccer We started Flag and Tackle Football this quarter and finished flag football while tackle is still going on. The swim team also finished up during this quarter. We made it through another 4th of July and our busiest season for all of our parks. We made it through another pool season and the pool has now been drained and winterized. Participation in our recreation programs has increased by 70 participants at this time last year. That is with an increase of travel teams this year like we have never seen before. This is unprecedented growth for our rec programs The Wellness Center this quarter had 20,079 visits for use of the facility which is an increase of 2,393 over the 2nd quarter. That is an average of over 257 visitors per day At the end of this quarter our Wellness Center memberships are as follows: Annual memberships 1,661. Monthly memberships 396. Councilmember Taylor asked about the leak in the roof and the broken door at the wellness center. Mr. Palmer said that they will work on the roof with something more efficient and the materials for the door were ordered the day after it was broken. Mr. Palmer will get it fixed when materials arrive. He doesn't know the total cost of it yet. He stated that the cost will not come from the city, it will be paid for by the person who broke it. A no trespass order was also issued to the person who broke the door. They also spoke about the window being fixed at the ball fields. It was fixed and promptly broken again. They also talked about updates on the concession stand and beefing up the power. That will be worked on in the winter months. New equipment for the wellness center is scheduled to arrive in December. Business Items SJCPAC Halloween Event Partnership See notes above. Resolution 10-14-2025-1 Establishing a Temporary Moratorium WHEREAS, the City of Blanding regulates the placement and development of mobile (singlewide) homes under Title 10.5 of the Blanding City Code; and WHEREAS, the City has experienced increased inquiries and requests related to the installation and relocation of mobile homes, specifically within existing mobile home zones, raising concerns regarding infrastructure capacity, neighborhood compatibility, and compliance with current standards; and WHEREAS, the Blanding City Council desires to review and update the City's standards for mobile home zoning districts to ensure consistency with modern housing, safety, and design standards; and WHEREAS, the proposed updates will include but are not limited to: Fencing and screening requirements; Maintenance and upkeep standards for lots and shared areas; Alignment with current HUD definitions of 'mobile home,' 'manufactured home,' and 'modular home'; Fire, safety, and utility connection standards; Site layout, circulation, and drainage requirements; and Basic design and appearance standards to preserve neighborhood character without creating barriers to affordability; and WHEREAS, Utah Code Ann. §10-9a-504 authorizes municipalities to enact a temporary land-use regulation (moratorium) for up to 180 days when necessary to protect the public interest while land-use regulations are being studied or revised; and WHEREAS, the Blanding City Council finds that a short-term moratorium is necessary to prevent incompatible or substandard development during this review period and to allow for a comprehensive update to the City's Mobile Home Zone standards. Councilmember Nielson made a motion to table resolution 10-14-2025-1 the establishment of a temporary moratorium with the intent to bring it back to the next meeting as an ordinance. Councilmember Taylor seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Resolution 10-14-2025-2 Administrative Leave Policy WHEREAS, the City of Blanding values employee engagement, morale, and performance as essential to providing quality public service; and WHEREAS, the City desires to adopt a non-monetary incentive program recognizing employees who perform duties above and beyond normal expectations; and WHEREAS, the Administrative Bonus Leave Policy establishes a clear process for awarding paid administrative leave ('Bonus Leave') for exceptional performance while ensuring consistency and accountability; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds this policy promotes fairness, motivation, and excellence in public service without creating additional financial liability; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BLANDING CITY, UTAH: SECTION 1. The Blanding City Council hereby approves and adopts the Administrative Bonus Leave Policy dated October 2025. SECTION 2. The City Manager and Human Resources staff are authorized to implement and administer the program consistent with the provisions outlined in the Policy. SECTION 3. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption. The council discussed the amount of time that employees have to use their bonus leave. It was agreed that every employee would have 365 days to use their leave. They also discussed hour amounts that are available to award. They agreed to have 4 or 8 hours instead of 4, 6 or 8. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to adopt resolution 10-14-2025-2 approving the new administration leave policy with the change of 365 days to use the bonus leave and to have 4 or 8 hours available to be awarded. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Resolution 10-14-2025-3 Raw Water Sales Contract WHEREAS, Blanding City owns 800 acre-feet of raw water in Recapture Reservoir for municipal and commercial/industrial use; and WHEREAS, the Raw Water Sales Policy & Procedure (adopted May 9, 2023) authorizes the sale of excess Recapture water upon approval by the City Engineer, Chief Water System Operator, and City Manager; and WHEREAS, SJWCD has requested to purchase up to 30 acre-feet of raw water from Recapture for one water year beginning November 1, 2025; and WHEREAS, City staff has determined this sale will not impair City operations or existing obligations; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BLANDING, UTAH: 1. The City Council approves the sale of up to 30 acre-feet of raw water from Recapture Reservoir to SJWCD for the period November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026, consistent with current City policy. 2. The rate shall be $200 per acre foot purchased. Water shares will only be leased when excess water is available as determined by the City Engineer and Chief Water System Operator. 3. The City Manager is authorized to execute the Raw Water Sales Contract.. 4. This authorization expires October 31, 2026, unless renewed by further Council action. Councilmember Nielson made a motion to adopt resolution 10-14-2025-3 authorizing the city manager to execute a raw water sales contract between Blanding City and SJWCD for the sale of 10 acre-feet of water from recapture reservoir. Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. There was some discussion on voting procedures when there is a quorum of 3. It was clarified that when there is a quorum of 3, all three members must be unanimous in order for a motion to pass. A motion can't pass with a 2 to 1 vote, because it's not the majority of the 5 member quorum, even though they may not be present. Ordinance 2025-23 Amend Blanding City Electric Company Policy WHEREAS, Blanding City operates its own electric utility and has adopted policies and procedures governing connections, rates, and billing; and WHEREAS, under the current policy, temporary electrical services are billed at a rate 10% higher than permanent service rates; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to simplify billing, reduce staff time and administrative tracking, and ensure consistency in rates for all customers; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BLANDING CITY, UTAH, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Amendment to Electric Company Policies and Procedures The section titled 'Temporary Service' in the Blanding City Electric Company Policies and Procedures is hereby amended to read as follows (deletions shown by strikethrough and additions by underline): Temporary Service: A customer may request a temporary connection for the purpose of construction or some other purpose. All temporary lines will be installed by the City at the City's option or by a licensed contractor if the City chooses. A temporary installation must be inspected and approved by the City Inspector. All expenses associated with the installation of a temporary line over and above those of the permanent line will be paid by the Customer. A temporary service will be installed only after the customer has signed an agreement to be responsible for installation and removal costs and electricity used. Temporary services will be billed monthly in accordance with normal billing procedures and at a rate that is 10% higher than permanent service rates. Temporary services will continue until either a final certificate of occupancy is issued (single family home) or a final set-up inspection form is issued (mobile home). Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-23 accepting the amendment to the Blanding City electric company policy. Councilmember Taylor seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA FOR LATER REVIEW ---- Ordinance 2025-24 R-1 Zoning Ordinance Amendment Approval WHEREAS, the Blanding City Planning Commission has conducted a thorough review of the R-1 Residential District ('R-1 Zone') provisions of the Blanding City Code; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has identified the need to clarify, modernize, and align the R-1 Zone standards with current housing trends, property development practices, and public safety considerations; and WHEREAS, after duly noticed meetings and public input, the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed amendments to the R-1 Zone as presented in the document titled 'R-1 Code Adjustments'; and WHEREAS, the Blanding City Council finds it in the best interest of the City to adopt these recommended updates to promote consistency, encourage quality residential development, and ensure clarity in the application of zoning regulations. Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-24 approving the R-1 zoning ordinance amendment. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Ordinance 2025-25 Amendment to Planning Commission Composition WHEREAS, Blanding City previously established a Planning Commission through Ordinance No. 1978-1, as amended; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to update Section 10.3.1 of the Blanding City Code to clarify the membership structure, appointment process, and quorum requirements of the Planning Commission; and WHEREAS, these updates are intended to align the City Code with current practice and ensure consistency with Utah State law regarding planning commissions. Councilmember Nielson explained that the current city code has the city council representative as a voting member. This amendment changes it so that there are 5 voting members of the commission and the city council representative is not a voting member of the commission. Mr. Redd stated that we will need to fill a spot on the commission. Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-25 accepting the amendment to the planning commission composition. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Advice and Consent Items USU Nursing Program Letter of Support A letter was drafted, it reads as follows: Members of the Utah Legislature / Executive Appropriations Committee, Blanding City expresses its strong support for Utah State University and the USU Blanding campus. Serving thousands of square miles of rural and tribal land across San Juan County and the Four Corners region, USU Blanding provides vital, accessible, and culturally connected education opportunities. USU's nursing programs, including those at Blanding, directly address the region's healthcare workforce needs. Graduates often remain in or return to their home communities to fill critical healthcare roles. These programs strengthen local hospitals, clinics, and elderly home care companies that otherwise struggle to recruit and retain professionals. Decisions based solely on enrollment numbers overlook the true value of these programs. Even small cohorts of graduates have lasting impacts on community health, family stability, and economic strength. Reducing or underfunding these programs would diminish access to care USU Blanding's nursing program is not duplicative but complementary to other state programs. While other universities may offer similar degrees, none serve this unique population or geographic area. Supporting multiple regional nursing programs ensures Utah can sustain a strong healthcare workforce statewide. USU Blanding remains a cornerstone of opportunity in southeast Utah. Its nursing program is essential. Blanding City urges the Legislature to support continued investment in programs that build strong, self-reliant rural communities and equitable access to education and healthcare for all Utahns. Sincerely, Blanding City Staff & City Council They discussed the letter of support for the Utah State University nursing program, which is facing potential funding cuts due to perceived redundancy with other university programs. The council emphasized the program's importance to rural regions, especially Price and Blanding campuses, and the healthcare industry, noting that the program serves an underprivileged area and population. The council feels like the nursing program here is very important as we have a strong health care community that provides a lot of jobs. It was stated that it would be foolish to take away a program like that. The council approved of the letter to be sent with the specific change to include the mayor and city council's signatures as opposed to city staff and city council. Discussion Items Defense Attorney RFP Review Mr. Redd informed the council that one qualified proposal had been received and has the necessary qualifying criteria. A decision on contracts and other necessary arrangements will be made at a later meeting before December 6th, when the current defense team is scheduled to leave. Closed Session Councilmember Nielson made a motion to go into closed session to discuss the defense attorney RFP. Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion. He asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Adjournment Councilmember Nielson made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions, hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:28pm.

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

In compliance with the ADA, individuals needing special accommodations during this meeting may call the City Offices at (435) 678-2791 at least twenty-four hours in advance. Every effort will be made to provide the appropriate services.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

One or more Council Members may partcipate electronically.

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

50 W 100 S
Blanding, UT 84511
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Contact Name

Pratt Redd

Contact Email

predd@blanding-ut.gov

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

December 16, 2025 11:03 AM

Notice Last Edited On

December 16, 2025 11:03 AM

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